Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics The price of an E46 BMW M3 CSL? Because of the fins, spoilers and a tall red wing, the model earned it’s superhero nickname as the “Batmobile”. In addition, the aerodynamic package was also launched. The final version of the first BMW 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973. Also in the first edition, weight reduction was a target and achieved by using thinner steel for building the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing, installing aluminum doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and using acrylic side windows. The CSL name was first used back in 1972 when BMW unveiled the 3.0 CSL – a special version of the Six CS (E9) developed to race the European Touring Car Championship. You can listen to the unique intake and exhaust sound of the CLS edition here: The single ‘porthole’ on one side of the front apron, which gives the engine the necessary oxygen by means of an enlarged carbon fiber intake airbox, is also very striking and unique to this model.
You can identify a CSL by a number of external features such as the special door sills, carbon-fiber roof, the curved spoiler lip integrated into the carbon-fiber boot lid, and of course, the addition of those three special letters on its rear.
Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics How to identify an original E46 BMW M3 CSL from the outside? The special 19-inch CSL lightweight rims were fitted with semi-slick tires as standard. This was to verify that you understood that the tires would not work in the rain or in cold weather.
Furthermore, the wheels also indicate that this is not your normal daily driver! In fact, BMW had to underline the power and force all buyers to sign a disclaimer before buying a CSL. Fans will also say that the unmistakable and instantly recognizable sound emanating from its carbon fiber intake airbox is one of the best features of the CSL. The untrained eye might not recognize the CSL as a track day weapon or the super sports car that it is, but the model was and still is famous for its performance. Related: Another lightweight monster – the Mercedes Brabus 3.6S A race car in disguise Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics Instead, you got an optimized engine based on the iconic S54B32HP in-line 6-cylinder engine and a robotized version of the M gearbox with a shift time of down to just 80 milliseconds. Also, the CSL didn’t come with radio, air-conditioning or navigation system. However, it perfectly explains just how serious BMW was about optimizing the model.
The boot floor cover made from lightweight fiber-board confused Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson in 2004 as he thought the new material was “cardboard”. Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics
Furthermore, the rear windows were made from thinner glass and special composite material and carbon-fiber were used for the rear diffuser, front apron, intake airbox and parts of the interior. As a result, the original roof was replaced with a carbon-fiber roof. Well, the M3 CSL is no “ordinary” M3! The name CSL stands for “Coupé Sport Leichtbau” meaning Coupe Sport Lightweight and the spec list reveals that BMW took the weight reduction VERY seriously. – Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear 2004 Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics What is so special about the CSL edition?